Jobs for Montana’s Graduates Receives National Performance Award

MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today announced Jobs for Montana’s Graduates received its third consecutive “5 of 5 Award” signifying the program is critical in serving Montana students who face barriers to graduation or employment.

The effectiveness of Jobs for Montana’s Graduates is remarkable and it’s one to be celebrated by students, families, teachers and communities all across the state,” Governor Bullock said. “Through the educational and professional experiences provided, students recognize the importance of graduating from high school and new doors of opportunity are opened as they become an essential part of our future workforce.”

Jobs for Montana’s Graduates, administered by the Department of Labor & Industry, is a state chapter of Jobs for America’s Graduates. JMG started a chapter 28 years ago to serve middle school and high school students across Montana. JMG surpassed the criteria to qualify for a “5 of 5 Award”, including a graduation rate of 95 percent.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for the third consecutive year and the 12th time in Jobs for Montana’s Graduates history,” Erica Swanson, state director of JMG, said. “By encouraging students to stay in school and guiding them through their next step, we’re building an educated and well-trained workforce in Montana.”

State results are compiled after 12 months of follow up college placement and career pathway support for each graduating class. The award honors states who achieve or surpass a 90 percent graduation rate, 80 percent positive outcomes rate, 60 percent employment rate, 60 percent full-time jobs rate, and an 80 percent full-time placement rate.

In addition to celebrating Montana’s achievements, the Board of Directors of Jobs for America’s Graduates announced the national program had the best results in its 38-year history. Governor Bullock serves as one of the ten governors on the Board of Directors for Jobs for America’s Graduates.

JAG worked in 1,250 locations across 35 states and more than 63,000 of the nation’s most challenged young people.

Those results included:

A graduation rate of 95% – the highest ever in our 38-year history.

JAG participants were 230% more likely to get full-time jobs than the overall population of 18- to 20-year-olds – not just the population we serve. African American students are 290% more likely to secure full-time jobs than their non-JAG counterparts.

A higher education enrollment rate of 44% – mostly first-generation college students, and at a time when there were 500,000 fewer individuals enrolled in higher education than the year before.

About Jobs for Montana’s Graduates

Jobs for Montana’s Graduates provides students an opportunity to practice decision making, critical thinking, leadership skills, while learning the important soft skills needed for career readiness to gain employment. JMG encourages students to stay in school, graduate and successfully transition from school to employment, post-secondary education, apprenticeship, or military service. The program is funded by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry to support students in connecting with their communities by providing them with leadership development, social and civic responsibility, and career awareness to over 18,000 students.